Dr. Frank Andrews, Director of Equine Health Studies at Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, and his team of researchers announced initial findings of the possible benefits the sea buckthorn berry as a less-expensive, yet highly-effective means of managing Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) in horses.

EGUS is a common problem in horses, and all ages and breeds are susceptible to the condition. The prevalent group seems to be thoroughbred race horses, possibly due to the intense exercise they undergo during training and racing. An estimated 60% to 90% of performances horses, which translates to up to 700,000 horses, in the U.S. alone, are affected by EGUS. The syndrome is potentially brought on by risk factors including stress, travel, diet, stall confinement, intermittent feeding, intense exercise, racing and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Symptoms may include abdominal pain/colic, diarrhea, poor appetite, rough hair coat and decreased performance. All of these factors can contribute to a loss in revenue and increased distress for the animal, specifically in the racehorse industry.

Although a number of anti-ulcer drugs are commercially available they can impose a notable financial burden on horse owners. Treatment can range from $40 or more per day and must be used for at least 28 days. Due to the sheer number of horses affected with the condition and the expense associated with the synthetic treatment, Dr. Andrews and his team began to explore alternative approaches in using herbs and plants for therapeutic applications. One plant that has shown promise for treating EGUS is the sea buckthorn, Hippophae rhamnoides which translates to shiny horse. In ancient cultures, dating back to the 12th Century, the sea buckthorn plant has been associated with improving the health of horses.

Dr. Andrews has been investigating the effectiveness of treating gastric ulcers in Thoroughbreds with SeaBuck CompleteTM, a nutrient-rich sea buckthorn berry-based natural whole food product manufactured by SeaBuck Equine. He was quoted as saying, “Sea buckthorn berries are highly nutritious, and are a very good source of vitamins, trace minerals, amino acids and antioxidants. Extracts from these berries have been used to successfully treat mucosal injury in humans and rats, so we are looking at this product as an alternative to expensive drugs in treating EGUS.”

In an initial study Dr. Andrews found that SeaBuck CompleteTM seemed to prevent existing ulcers from worsening under stress. He would like to continue investigating the use of sea buckthorn products to confirm his initial findings and has submitted a pre-proposal to the Morris Animal Foundation to expand his research in the near future.

Dusty McMullin, Vice President of SeaBuck Equine commented, “We are confident that the new research will further validate the effectiveness of sea buckthorn and SeaBuck CompleteTM in managing EGUS which will be a promising and cost-saving outcome for both horses and their owners.”

About SeaBuck Equine Based in Midvale, Utah, SeaBuck Equine develops all-natural equine health and performance supplements based on the super fruit, sea buckthorn. SeaBuck Equine’s products aid in the long-term health of horses of every class and breed. For more information about SeaBuck Equine and its line of products, visit www.seabuck.com or call 766.593.9446. Products are sold online, through independent dealers and in select retail stores.